Michelle O’Neill may have sensed the weight of history resting upon her during the weekend, but now she finds herself under immense pressure to fulfill a commitment that has been lingering for a significant period of time.
Over the course of the past couple of years, Sinn Féin’s leader at Stormont has consistently made assurances about her commitment to being an inclusive first minister for everyone.
During her speech on Saturday, she once again reaffirmed her commitment, emphasizing the significance of being the inaugural republican to assume the role in Northern Ireland’s extensive 103-year history.
She expressed to the unionists that she highly valued and respected their national identity, culture, and traditions, emphasizing the significance they held for her.
The initial commitment of the prime minister was to foster an environment of inclusivity and show respect towards all individuals.
In order for Michelle O’Neill to truly fulfill her role as a first minister for all, she will need to venture far outside her familiar territory and embrace unfamiliar challenges, all the while acknowledging that being a first minister for “all” encompasses individuals with republican beliefs as well.
She has already demonstrated her willingness to extend a helping hand or offer support.
In addition to her party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, she has developed a strong bond with the Royal Family, engaging in regular correspondence with none other than King Charles himself.
Ms O’Neill was present at the grand ceremony of the King’s coronation, having earlier paid her respects at the somber occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey and Michelle O’Neill had a meeting with the King at Hillsborough Castle.
She claimed that her attendance was primarily motivated by her commitment to serving as a representative for all individuals as the first minister.
The deep bond between the two individuals was further demonstrated when she expressed her sympathy to the King while they were at Hillsborough Castle.
The daughter of a former IRA prisoner took a significant and momentous stride forward in her life.
However, the journey towards establishing a connection with the royal family was made significantly smoother due to the efforts of her predecessor, Martin McGuinness. McGuinness had managed to forge a bond with the royals following a momentous handshake with the Queen in 2012.
At the conclusion, certain republicans leveled accusations against the ex-deputy first minister for pushing forward excessively and swiftly.
However, in the span of 13 years, Michelle O’Neill will be anticipated to surpass her current achievements and reach even greater heights.
The person’s eyebrows lifted in surprise or curiosity, causing their brow area to become more pronounced as they raised their eyebrows.
What are some potential “firsts” that we can expect from the recently appointed first minister?
Is it possible for her to make history as the inaugural republican leader to partake in a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) passing-out ceremony?
Sinn Féin has faced criticism for allegedly adopting a tepid stance towards the PSNI, despite the fact that Ms O’Neill has previously participated in a police recruitment event. This accusation suggests that the party may not fully endorse or actively support the police force, potentially signaling a lack of commitment to law enforcement and community safety. However, it is worth noting that Ms O’Neill’s attendance at a police recruitment event could indicate some level of engagement or willingness to cooperate with the PSNI, although the overall perception of Sinn Féin’s attitude towards the police remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.
However, is she going to feel compelled to completely support and endorse the PSNI’s initiatives to increase the recruitment of Catholic officers?
In addition, would it be possible for her to be seen participating in gatherings held in unionist regions? It is worth mentioning that just last year, she made an appearance in east Belfast to pay her respects at the funeral of May Blood, a move that garnered attention and generated discussions among the public.
Could a visit to Windsor Park to witness a Northern Ireland football match potentially be in the realm of possibility?
In a surprising turn of events, she took to Twitter last year to express her backing for Northern Ireland prior to a crucial match, marking the first instance of her public support for the team. This unexpected show of solidarity certainly caught people’s attention and sparked a fair amount of curiosity.
Small steps
However, her most significant obstacle may arise within her immediate surroundings.
She proudly identifies as a member of the Republican party and has consistently participated in ceremonies honoring deceased members of the IRA.
Both of her cousins were members of the IRA, with tragic consequences as one of them was fatally shot by the SAS.
Participating in these commemorative events in my current role as the first minister might be deemed as going beyond the acceptable limits.
In addition, she may opt to select her words with greater thoughtfulness and precision.
It was clear and evident that she deliberately omitted any mention of a united Ireland or the possibility of holding a border poll in her speech delivered at the assembly.
However, during a subsequent interview, she made a bold prediction that a united Ireland would be realized within her own lifetime, and potentially even within the next ten years.
Taking into consideration the unionists who endured hardship during the Troubles, she also seemed to extend an implied expression of remorse towards those affected by the actions of the IRA.
In addressing the assembly, she expressed her deep remorse for the immense loss of lives that occurred during the conflict, emphasizing that her apology extended to every single individual affected.
Each of these actions represents a series of small and delicate movements, akin to walking on the narrowest and most challenging tightrope.
Maintaining equilibrium and steering clear of any misjudgments will be crucial if our newly appointed first minister is to fulfill the expectations she has set for herself.